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Monday 23 December 2024
All the best for 2025 from the Ishka team!
As we close out an eventful year, Ishka extends sincere thanks for your continued support throughout 2024.
Ishka will be taking a brief pause for the holidays, with regular Insights service resuming in January. To get a head start on the year ahead, don’t forget to reserve your copy of the Ishka Vista: 2025 Aviation Finance Market Forecast by contacting gary@ishkaglobal.com .
For those seeking inspiration or relaxation over the festive period, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite books and films from this past year.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season, and we look forward to reconnecting in 2025!
Warm regards,
The Ishka Insights Team
The best of 2024 - Ishka’s film and book recommendations:
Film: Conclave
The movie Conclave is an unlikely thriller set around the process of selecting a new pope, with Ralph Fiennes giving an Oscar-worthy performance. (Gehan Talwatte, Ishka’s Executive Chairman)
Book: Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd
My prolific neighbour's latest novel is a thriller about a writer who unintentionally gets sucked into the world of espionage is unputdownable.
Book: Bauhaus, The World’s Greatest Art by Andrew KennedyOne book I sort of enjoyed was ‘Bauhaus, The World’s Greatest Art’. In typical Bauhaus style, it comes with instructions on how to use it.
But if you’re not into the works of the Bauhaus movement 1919-1932, its got pictures of furniture, art and buildings. (Eddy Pieniazek, Head of Advisory, Ishka)
Book: Your Face Belongs to Us by Kashmir Hill
An NYT investigative reporter uncovers the history and characters behind Clearview AI, a facial recognition app. There’s a stronger emphasis on the mechanics of reporting here, which is why I liked it, rather than a comprehensive treatise on privacy in the digital age - but nonetheless an enjoyable read. (Dickon Harris, Insights Editor, Ishka)
Written like a poem, this autobiographical novel beautifully captures modern life as a shift worker in Brittany’s abattoirs and fish processing plants. (Dean Forrester, Head of Production)
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Book: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
The greatest story, (including movies, shows and books) I have ever consumed. (Jake Farrelly, Senior Business Development Associate)
Book: Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein
Easy to read and can be applied quickly to start with practical actions for your job, career and life. This book isn't simply about organising your workplace, it's about changing the way you work to spark joy, make work easier (reduce stress) and more! (Noriko Nozaki, Head of Japan & Korea)
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Book: "Be Useful" by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Full of inspiring life lessons and practical advice, it’s all about making a real impact and living with purpose.
Film: Napoleon
An epic historical drama with stunning visuals that brings the story of one of history’s most fascinating figures to life.
Special Mention: Blue Eye Samurai
Not a film, but one of the best things I’ve watched this year—stunning animation and an incredible story. (Richard Jacques, Head of Partnerships)
Book: Young Samurai by Chris Bradford
Having read my one customary sunbed book on holiday, I picked up my son's book and got caught up in a web of Japanese culture and the fight to survive. A great read for anyone with 10-13 year olds, or someone with no other options! (Chris Keene, Managing Director)
Film: Frances Ha, co-written by and starring Greta Gerwig
Mubi had a spotlight earlier this year for Great Gerwig, more recently known as the director of Barbie. Frances Ha was the lead pick, and it did not disappoint! She plays one of the most endearing and fun characters in modern cinema. Among all the films I watched this year, this one left the most lasting impression - a very relatable portrayal of ambition, friendship and the search for identity.
I'm a sucker for coming-of-age films so this was right up my alley. (Eduardo Mariz, Sustainability Lead and Senior Analyst)
This is my film of 2024. It's directed by Coralie Fargeat and stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. A body horror about how the media treats ageing women, definitely not for weak stomachs—still a 10/10. (Molly Russell, Insights Analyst)
TV Show: The Day of the Jackal
Great cast, thriller, Hitman trying to take out a high-profile target whilst being hunted by MI6.
Book: Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat
Thinking about where we might be headed with AI for better or worse. (Luke Short, Head of Event Operations)
Book: The Winners by Frederick Backman
The culmination of Backman’s much-praised Beartown trilogy, The Winners masterfully weaves itself into the current political furor, all told through the lens of two small towns locked in a fierce rivalry. It’s a big book with a big heart—a wonderful antidote to today’s tumultuous times. Set in a fictional, snowy Swedish town, it’s the perfect winter read, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea!
Plan Ahead – Ishka events in 2025:
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